On the train to Oban a few days ago I got talking with a fellow traveler as one only seems to do on a train. I brought up the topic of my lost suitcase of six days, which three days prior I had been told was on its way to Glasgow via Brussels. I told my traveling friend about the positives of losing a suitcase: that there was a certain simplicity in not having all that stuff; that I had no decisions to make about what to wear; that when I left the hotel in Edinburgh I only had to pack a simple backpack. But then I got going on the negatives: that I had to make telephone calls a couple of times a day; that although I was doing my best not to think about it while sightseeing (or while sleeping), clearly it was taking more psychic energy that I wanted to admit. We discussed what one might learn from such a situation, which I summed up in two sound bites: ‘the stuff’ and ‘the anxiety about the stuff’ Then my friend gave her summary: “You are practicing non-reactive awareness.” Isn’t that a wonderful phrase? I’ve been doing my best to practice it ever since. For me it means that I don’t need to react negatively or defensively, but instead be aware, and of course as need be, take action. Stop the chatter in my head about ‘that inept airline’, etc. etc. etc. And, yes, call to see how things are going. I must admit it is easier to write about non-reactive awareness than to practice it. But Iona, where everything is clear and simple, where the space between heaven and earth is thin, is a great place to make an effort and to have some successes. And so with that in mind, here are some pictures of my hike to St. Columba’s Bay today. I might add that sheep are pros at non-reactive awareness.